Celia Harmston

Head of Private Households & Estates

Meet Celia, the expert behind Leaman Consulting’s Private Household & Estates Desk. With a degree in Primary Education and over 10 years’ experience within the industry she has a deep understanding of candidate quality in private residences. Her caring and professional approach ensures the right fit for you or your principal, whether you need a Housekeeper, Estate/House Manager, Butler, Driver, Chef or Domestic Couple.

Celia is experienced with adhoc roles and welcomes any staffing enquiries – your perfect candidates is just a conversation away.

For a confidential discussion of your needs, you can contact Celia direct at celia@leamanconsulting.com or by calling 020 3006 7888.

 
 

Browse Celia Harmston latest jobs

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£50000.00 - £52000 per annum

VIP Butler - Oxfordshire

We are seeking an experienced and adaptable VIP Butler to join a UHNW private family in Oxfordshire. This is a unique and dynamic role where no two days are the same, offering the opportunity to travel across the UK and internationally, on occasion. This role is to primarily support the principal and his family plus any visiting extended family members. You will seamlessly move between personalised service for the principals in their private residence and supporting the other VIP guests at the club
This is a live-out position, so candidates living nearby are preferred. However, for the right individual, the family is willing to assist with relocation and finding local accommodation.

Key Responsibilities:


  • Provide both formal and informal butler services to the principal and family.

  • Work closely with estate departments, including housekeeping, culinary, F&B, engineering, and grounds teams, to ensure seamless service.

  • Greet and assist the family upon arrival.

  • Prepare the residence ahead of family visits to ensure it is in pristine condition.

  • Manage the principal's wardrobe, including packing and unpacking.

  • Assist with day-to-day scheduling and arrangements.

  • Set tables and collaborate with the team to prepare for events and gatherings.

  • Ensure all family residences are well-organised and maintained in their absence.

  • Run errands, handle personal shopping, and oversee wardrobe and clothing management.

  • Adapt to changing schedules and unexpected needs with efficiency and discretion.

What We're Looking For:


  • Proven experience in a similar butler role, ideally within a private household.

  • A highly flexible and organised professional with excellent problem-solving skills.

  • Discretion, reliability, and a meticulous attention to detail.

  • A proactive and adaptable individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

  • A preference for a male butler due to wardrobe and personal effects management for the male principal.


Salary: £50,000 - £52,000 per annum

*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£50000.00 - £55000 per annum

Job Title: Live Out Head Housekeeper
Location: SW11, London
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

We are seeking a highly capable and hands-on Head Housekeeper to join a welcoming and self-sufficient family in South London. The role involves managing the day-to-day household operations and housekeeping within a large family home with a keen eye for detail.

Responsibilities:
- Hands-on housekeeping, including cleaning, laundry, and ironing for the family
- Managing the dry cleaning schedule
- Managing household bills and overseeing security within the home (CCTV etc)
- Coordination of repairs and maintenance, including liaising with contractors
- Knowledge of high-end surfaces, such as marble and custom flooring, and expertise in their proper care
- Answering the door to visitors
- Liaising with the families PA on any requirements

Requirements:
- Previous experience in a similar role with a proven track record of high standards
- Ability to manage a 5-floor, 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom residence
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to multitask effectively
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Hardworking with a real love of your job!
- A good sense of humour, easy-going nature, and ability to adapt to a changing needs

Additional Information:
- This is a busy and welcoming family home with children and pets
- The current residence is temporary, with a return to the renovated house in April
- Salary: £50,000 depending on experience and skills
- You must be pet friendly

If you are a switched-on, proactive individual with a passion for maintaining a high standard of living and have the necessary experience, we would love to hear from you!

Full Details
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£21-£23 gross per hour

Our client, a busy family living in Kensington are looking for an experienced and proactive housekeeper to join them on a live out basis, 3 days a week. Ideally Mon / Weds / Fri. You will provide an exptra paor of hands to the family and the full time housekeeper who has been with the family many years. You must be dog friendly as the family have 2 friendly little dogs!

Along side the other housekeeper your duties will include but not be limited to:

  • All high level housekeeping and cleaning daily
  • Use of specialist cleaning products on furniture or fabrics
  • Polishing silverware
  • Organising cupboards and pantry
  • Ensuring household supplies are always stocked
  • Grocery shopping and running errands when required
  • Happy to prepare light meals or drinks on occasion
  • Laundry tasks, including ironing
  • Flexibility to cover the full time housekeeper if she is sick or on holiday would be a bonus.

The family are looking for someone who has worked as a private housekeeper in high level homes with good checkable references.

They are looking for a housekeeper who loves their work, is friendly and enthusiastic. You will be passionate, hardworking and loyal.

Hours: Monday / Wednesday / Friday, 9am - 5pm or 8am - 4pm 
Location: Kensington W8
Salary: £21-£23 gross per hour


*You must be living in London already with the right to work in the UK*

*Please note we cannot respond to every application*

Full Details
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£50000.00 - £65000 per annum DOE

House Manager /PA in Greenwich

A professional family of 4 are looking for a hands on a proactive House Manager with PA duties to provide day-to-day support for the Principals and their family and household team, whilst maintaining a high level of discretion and confidentiality.

This is a hugely diverse hands on role and the principals are looking for someone who has extensive experience previously as a head housekeeper turned house manager/junior manager, who is still able to be hands on and lead by example.

Location: Greenwich SE10 - must live within 1 hour of SE10.
Hours: Mon-Friday 0745-1645
Starting: ASAP
Salary: up to 65K DOE
The role requires someone with a driving licence and confidence in and around London.

Duties will include but not be limited to:
LOGISTICS AND ADMINISTRATION:

  • Providing full administrative support to Principals and family
  • Personal complex diary management
  • Handling specific projects e.g., planning a holiday, house move or event
  • Organising all personal travel, visas, itineraries for the Principals and family accommodation
  • Undertaking ad hoc personal errands
  • All Gifting Personal/business
  • Household Grocery shopping
  • Household purchases/returns
  • Booking household maintenance/Servicing required, overseeing any repairs and workmen
  • Management of car fleet
  • Personal appointments/reservations
  • General outreach and communication with 3rd party contractors
  • Organise events - Christmas, NYE, Birthdays
  • Overseeing Household staff
  • Setting up for formal dinners/meetings
  • Oversee care of guests visiting or overnight
  • Budgeting
  • Managing Property inventories


Ideal candidate: specification

  • Driven and enthusiastic
  • Acts on their own initiative and delivers what is promised
  • care about doing things to the best of your ability
  • Meticulously organised
  • Team player
  • Discrete
  • Calm under pressure
  • You need to be solutions driven
  • Minimum 5 years within a Private household
  • IT literate - Outlook, Word, Excel, Whatsapp
  • Full UK driving licence essential
  • Enhanced DBS

Full Details
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£38000 - £45000 per annum DOE

Full-Time Housekeeper - Wimbledon Village


Our clients, a professional couple based in Wimbledon Village, are seeking a dedicated and dog-friendly housekeeper to join their household. This is a fantastic opportunity to take full responsibility for the upkeep and smooth running of a beautiful five-bedroom home.

Key Responsibilities:


  • Undertaking all daily cleaning duties throughout the home

  • Organising and tidying to maintain a well-run household

  • Ensuring household supplies are always stocked

  • Grocery shopping and running errands as needed

  • Preparing meals on occasion

  • Walking and feeding the family dog when required

  • Pet sitting as needed

  • Handling all laundry and ironing, including dry cleaning and wardrobe management

  • Washing and changing linens

  • Liaising with contractors and visitors

  • Preparing guest rooms for visitors

  • Assisting with packing/unpacking for the couple

  • Watering houseplants and flower arranging when required

  • Occasional travel with the couple if needed

  • Flexible to travel to their home in Spain to prepare the residence ahead of their arrival

  • Running business errands such as handling parcels and couriers

  • Cleaning the owner's local shop (walkable) on Monday mornings (8am - 12pm or 10am - 2pm)

Essential Requirements:


  • A discreet, professional, and personable individual

  • Dog-friendly and comfortable caring for pets

  • Hardworking, organised, and flexible

  • Strong communication skills in English (spoken, written, WhatsApp, and online platforms)

Preferred Skills:


  • Confident driver, but not essential

  • Ability to follow recipes and prepare meals

  • Valid passport (for travel requirements)

Working Hours & Salary:


  • The couple are looking for a flexible arrangement where hours may vary (e.g. 8am - 3pm or 11am - 6pm) depending on their movements and privacy needs

  • Some evening and weekend work may be required, particularly when hosting events

  • Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 DOE

    *Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Full Details
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£45000.00 - £50000 per annum DOE

Live Out Housekeeper in Chelsea


We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Housekeeper to join a professional household team in Chelsea. This is a full-time role within a well-structured team, supporting a large family home with high standards of service and presentation.

Key Details:


  • Household: 4 adults, 4 children (ages 2-10)

  • Pets: 6 small dogs (assisting with meals and letting them into the garden & generally looking after their wellbeing)

  • Property: 4 floors, 8 en-suite bedrooms, cinema room, swimming pool, 7 rooms are in daily use

  • Team: Working alongside 4 full-time housekeepers, reporting to the Head Housekeeper, who is very hands on and guiding

  • Work Schedule: 5-day shift pattern, covering 8-hour shifts 8-5pm, 9-6pm, 10-7pm, 1-10pm, with occasional weekend coverage on rotation

  • Salary: £45,000 -£50,000 DOE

  • Start Date: ASAP

  • Interview Process: Initial video interview, followed by a paid trial

Duties & Responsibilities:


  • Housekeeping: Cleaning, tidying, and maintaining high standards of presentation

  • Laundry & Wardrobe Care: Bedding, linen, shirts, delicate hand-washing, and luggage packing

  • Service: Assisting with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, including silver service, teas, coffees, and event support

  • Team Collaboration: Working alongside colleagues, adapting to changing family needs, and learning the Principal's preferences

  • Flexibility: Rotating shifts (8-5pm, 9-6pm, 10-7pm, 1-10pm) and adapting to last-minute changes

Ideal Candidate:


  • Experience in high-end private households and/or luxury hotels

  • Strong English language skills

  • Team player with excellent multitasking abilities

  • Proactive, hands-on, and detail-oriented

  • Professional and discreet

  • Service experience preferred, but a willingness to learn is essential

Additional Benefits:


  • Uniform provided (black trousers, short and long-sleeve t-shirts, shoes)

  • Meals, tea/coffee provided when working


*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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per hour

A couple in West London are looking for part time housekeeper with top laundry skills to join them on a part time basis working 20 hours a week in the mornings.
The property is a 2 bed, 2 bath flat. Your duties as the housekeeper will include but not limited to:

  •  All cleaning, tidying and organising of the home
  • Laundry and ironing, steaming clothing
  • Organisation on cupboards and general upkeep of the home
  • Sweeping outdoor terraces and looking after house plants

You must have a real eye for detail and ensure the highest standard is delivered at all times. You must have previous experience working as a private housekeeper/

Hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am/9.00am – 12.30pm/1.00pm
Start: Early 2025
Salary: £20-23 gross per hour 
*You must have the right to work in the UK*

Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every applicant

Full Details
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Up to £45000.00 per annum

Job Title: Head Gardener
Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)
Employment Type: Full-time, Live-out
Start Date: January / February 2025
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-9 hours/day with flexible working hours based on seasonal demands (shorter days in winter and longer in summer).
Salary: £45,000 (Negotiable, based on experience)

A high-profile yet exceptionally private family is seeking a Head Gardener for their newly built country estate near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. With the property set for completion in June 2025, the estate's landscaping is already in progress, and we are looking for a skilled head gardener to work alongside the landscape architect during the final stages and prepare for the upcoming growing season.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand-new garden and work in a fantastic environment, with purpose-built facilities including a potting shed, machine stores, and staff areas, where your input on machinery, tools & planning will be valued. You will report to the Estate Manager and liaise closely with the principals to help create and maintain the grounds.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the care and maintenance of approximately 25 acres, including formal gardens with vegetable plots and two greenhouses.
  • Ensure the remaining land, primarily a natural wildflower meadow, thrives with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
  • Manage garden schedules, oversee planting and organic vegetable production, and arrange any necessary contractors.
  • Contribute to landscape design and seasonal garden planning in collaboration with the landscape architect.
  • Plan larger garden projects to coincide with the principals' travel schedules.


Experience & Qualifications:

  • Private household experience is preferred but not essential, though prior horticultural experience in a similar setting is required.
  • Longevity in previous roles, showing dedication, commitment and loyalty.
  • Strong organic gardening background and passion for sustainable horticulture.
  • Horticultural qualifications are essential, with a willingness to continue professional development.
  • Team Player, you must be happy to assist and muck in with other areas of the estate should the need arise.
  • A full driving license is required.


Benefits:

  • Salary up to £45,000 dependent on experience and qualifications.
  • Annual bonus based on performance.
  • Work in a newly built and fully equipped estate with room to influence its future direction.
  • This is a LIVE OUT role, therefore you must have your own accommodation locally.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks:

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to a check by the DBS.  The level of check which will apply shall be a “Basic” level check. 

*Please note that we cannot respond to every application*
 

Full Details
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£40000.00 - £45000 per annum

Live Out Housekeeper for large informal family home close to Sloane Square SW1X.

Wonderful returning clients of ours are expanding their household team and looking for an experienced housekeeper to join the team on a live out Monday - Friday basis.

This is a hands on housekeeping position where you will have a 360 handle on all duties alongside the other 3 housekeepers, your duties will include high level cleaning and housekeeping, laundry, helping with packing and unpacking luggage, some dog walking (small friendly dog!) and some errand running to the shops, dry cleaners etc.

You will work well as a team and support the other housekeepers in whatever needs to be done to ensure the home is presented well at all times.

As the housekeeper you will have a hard working nature with a friendly approach with experience within HNW households and/or yachts or hotels.

Starting: ASAP
Hours: Monday to Friday 10am - 7pm
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 depending on experience

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a welcoming and friendly household team.

*Please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details